Cartridge for the preparation of beverages

ABSTRACT

A cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and being formed from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials, the cartridge comprising an outer member defining a storage chamber in which is stored the one or more beverage ingredients and an inner member having a discharge spout forming an outlet for outflow of beverage formed from the one or more beverage ingredients, characterised in that the inner member forms a load-bearing member.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. provisional patentapplication No. 60/462,538, filed Apr. 11, 2003, which is herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a cartridge for the preparation ofbeverages and, in particular, to sealed cartridges which are formed fromsubstantially air- and water-impermeable materials and which contain oneor more ingredients for the preparation of beverages.

It has previously been proposed to seal beverage preparation ingredientsin individual air-impermeable packages. For example, cartridges orcapsules containing compacted ground coffee are known for use in certaincoffee preparation machines which are generally termed “espresso”machines. In the production of coffee using these preparation machinesthe coffee cartridge is placed in a brewing chamber and hot water ispassed though the cartridge at relatively high pressures, therebyextracting the aromatic coffee constituents from the ground coffee toproduce the coffee beverage. Typically, such machines operate at apressure of greater than 6×10⁵ Pa. The preparation machines of the typedescribed have to date been relatively expensive since components of themachine, such as the water pumps and seals, must be able to withstandthe high pressures.

In WO01/58786 there is described a cartridge for the preparation ofbeverages which operates at a pressure generally in the range 0.7 to2.0×10⁵ Pa. However, the cartridge is designed for use in a beveragepreparation machine for the commercial or industrial market and isrelatively expensive. Hence, there remains a requirement for a cartridgefor the preparation of beverages wherein the cartridges and beveragepreparation machine are suitable, in particular, for the domestic marketin terms of cost, performance and reliability. One factor in thereliability of such cartridges is their ability to withstand internalpressurisation. Hence it is an object of the present invention toprovide a beverage cartridge with an improved ability to withstandinternal pressurisation.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the present invention provides a cartridge containing oneor more beverage ingredients and being formed from substantially air-and water-impermeable materials, the cartridge comprising an outermember defining a storage chamber in which is stored the one or morebeverage ingredients and an inner member having a discharge spoutforming an outlet for outflow of beverage formed from the one or morebeverage ingredients, characterised in that the inner member forms aload-bearing member.

It will be understood that by the term “cartridge” as used herein ismeant any package, container, sachet or receptacle which contains one ormore beverage ingredients in the manner described.

The cartridge of the present invention contains one or more beverageingredients suitable for the formation of a beverage product. Thebeverage product may be, for example, one of coffee, tea, chocolate or adairy-based beverage including milk. The beverage ingredients may bepowdered, ground, leaf-based or liquid. The beverage ingredients may beinsoluble or soluble. Examples include roast and ground coffee, leaftea, powdered chocolate and soup, liquid milk-based beverages,carbonated drinks and concentrated fruit juices.

The cartridge of the present invention provides a robust mechanism fordispensing beverages. In particular the inner member forms aload-bearing member which allows the cartridge to withstand relativelyhigh compressive loads during use. This allows the cartridge to be usedin a beverage preparation machine which subjects the cartridge to acompressive load prior to commencing a dispense cycle. This is turnreduces the likelihood that the cartridge will fail when it isinternally pressurised. In addition the application of the compressiveload to the cartridge ensures that the components of the cartridge areheld firmly and precisely in place.

Preferably, the inner member and outer member are separate componentswhich are conjoined during assembly of the cartridge.

Preferably, the cartridge further comprises a filter conjoined to theinner member.

Preferably, the inner member forms a load-bearing member of sufficientrigidity such that the cartridge can withstand a compressive load ofgreater than 130 N. More preferably, the load-bearing member is ofsufficient rigidity such that the cartridge can withstand a compressiveforce of greater than 200 N. Preferably, the load-bearing member is ofsufficient rigidity such that the load-bearing member can withstand acompressive force of greater than 130 N.

In one embodiment the inner member is formed from polypropylene.Alternatively, the outer member and/or inner member are formed from abiodegradable polymer.

Advantageously, the inner member comprises the discharge spout. Thedischarge spout serves to direct the discharged beverage into areceptacle such as a cup. The discharge spout avoids excessive splashingor spraying of the beverage and is also useful in adjusting the flowcharacteristics of the beverage as it is transferred from the cartridgeinto the receptacle. For example, the discharge spout can be shaped toreduce the degree of turbulence imparted to the beverage to avoidunnecessary reduction in the quantity of bubbles contained in thebeverage.

Preferably, the inner member and discharge spout are formed as onepiece.

The present invention also provides a cartridge containing one or morebeverage ingredients and being formed from substantially air- andwater-impermeable materials, the cartridge comprising a housing having aclosed first end and an open second end, the housing defining a storagechamber in which is stored the one or more beverage ingredients, whereinthe open second end of the housing is sealed by a lid, characterised bythe cartridge further comprising a load-bearing member spanning betweenthe closed first end of the housing and the lid.

Preferably, the load-bearing member comprises a discharge spout formingan outlet for outflow of beverage formed from the one or more beverageingredients.

Preferably, the load-bearing member is located at or near a centre ofthe cartridge.

Preferably, the load-bearing member is of sufficient rigidity such thatthe cartridge can withstand a compressive load of greater than 130 N.More preferably, the load-bearing member is of sufficient rigidity suchthat the cartridge can withstand a compressive force of greater than 200N. Preferably, the load-bearing member is of sufficient rigidity suchthat the load-bearing member can withstand a compressive force ofgreater than 130 N.

In the following description the terms “upper” and “lower” andequivalents will be used to describe the relational positioning offeatures of the invention. The terms “upper” and “lower” and equivalentsshould be understood to refer to the cartridge (or other components) inits normal orientation for insertion into a beverage preparation machineand subsequent dispensing as shown, for example, in FIG. 4. Inparticular, “upper” and “lower” refer, respectively, to relativepositions nearer or further from a top surface 11 of the cartridge. Inaddition, the terms “inner” and “outer” and equivalents will be used todescribe the relational positioning of features of the invention. Theterms “inner” and “outer” and equivalents should be understood to referto relative positions in the cartridge (or other components) being,respectively, nearer or further from a centre or major axis X of thecartridge 1 (or other component).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way ofexample only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is cross-sectional drawing of an outer member of first and secondembodiments of cartridge according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional drawing of a detail of the outer member ofFIG. 1 showing an inwardly directed cylindrical extension;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional drawing of a detail of the outer member ofFIG. 1 showing a slot;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view from above of the outer member of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view from above of the outer member of FIG. 1 inan inverted orientation;

FIG. 6 is a plan view from above of the outer member of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional drawing of an inner member of the firstembodiment of cartridge;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view from above of the inner member of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view from above of the inner member of FIG. 7 inan inverted orientation;

FIG. 10 is a plan view from above of the inner member of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional drawing of the first embodiment ofcartridge in an assembled condition;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional drawing of an inner member of the secondembodiment of cartridge;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional drawing of a detail of the inner member ofFIG. 12 showing an aperture;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view from above of the inner member of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view from above of the inner member of FIG. 12in an inverted orientation;

FIG. 16 is another cross-sectional drawing of the inner member of FIG.12;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional drawing of another detail of the innermember of FIG. 12 showing an air inlet;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional drawing of the second embodiment ofcartridge in an assembled condition;

FIG. 19 is cross-sectional drawing of an outer member of third andfourth embodiments of cartridge according to the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional drawing of a detail of the outer member ofFIG. 19 showing an inwardly directed cylindrical extension;

FIG. 21 is a plan view from above of the outer member of FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view from above of the outer member of FIG. 19;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view from above of the outer member of FIG. 19in an inverted orientation;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional drawing of an inner member of the thirdembodiment of cartridge;

FIG. 25 is a plan view from above of the inner member of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional drawing of a detail of the inner member ofFIG. 24 showing an in-turned upper rim;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view from above of the inner member of FIG. 24;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view from above of the inner member of FIG. 24in an inverted orientation;

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional drawing of the third embodiment ofcartridge in an assembled condition;

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional drawing of an inner member of the fourthembodiment of cartridge;

FIG. 31 is a plan view from above of the inner member of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view from above of the inner member of FIG. 30;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view from above of the inner member of FIG. 30in an inverted orientation;

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional drawing of the fourth embodiment ofcartridge in an assembled condition;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in FIG. 11, the cartridge 1 of the present invention generallycomprises an outer member 2, an inner member 3 and a laminate 5. Theouter member 2, inner member 3 and laminate 5 are assembled to form thecartridge 1 which has an interior 120 for containing one or morebeverage ingredients, an inlet 121, an outlet 122 and a beverage flowpath linking the inlet 121 to the outlet 122 and which passes throughthe interior 120. The inlet 121 and outlet 122 are initially sealed bythe laminate 5 and are opened in use by piercing or cutting of thelaminate 5. The beverage flow path is defined by spatialinter-relationships between the outer member 2, inner member 3 andlaminate 5 as discussed below. Other components may optionally beincluded in the cartridge 1, such as a filter 4, as will be describedfurther below.

A first version of cartridge 1 is shown in FIGS. 1 to 11. The firstversion of the cartridge 1 is particularly designed for use indispensing filtered products such as roast and ground coffee or leaftea. However, this version of the cartridge 1 and the other versionsdescribed below may be used with other products such as chocolate,coffee, tea, sweeteners, cordials, flavourings, alcoholic beverages,flavoured milk, fruit juices, squashes, sauces and desserts.

As can be seen from FIG. 5, the overall shape of the cartridge 1 isgenerally circular or disc-shaped with the diameter of the cartridge 1being significantly greater than its height. A major axis X passesthrough the centre of the outer member as shown in FIG. 1. Typically theoverall diameter of the outer member 2 is 74.5 mm±6 mm and the overallheight is 16 mm±3 mm. Typically the volume of the cartridge 1 whenassembled is 30.2 ml±20%.

The outer member 2 generally comprises a bowl-shaped shell 10 having acurved annular wall 13, a closed top 11 and an open bottom 12. Thediameter of the outer member 2 is smaller at the top 11 compared to thediameter at the bottom 12, resulting from a flaring of the annular wall13 as one traverses from the closed top 11 to the open bottom 12. Theannular wall 13 and closed bottom 11 together define a receptacle havingan interior 34.

A hollow inwardly directed cylindrical extension 18 is provided in theclosed top 11 centred on the major axis X. As more clearly shown in FIG.2, the cylindrical extension 18 comprises a stepped profile havingfirst, second and third portions 19, 20 and 21. The first portion 19 isright circular cylindrical. The second portion 20 is frusto-conical inshape and is inwardly tapered. The third portion 21 is another rightcircular cylinder and is closed off by a lower face 31. The diameter ofthe first, second and third portion 19, 20 and 21 incrementallydecreases such that the diameter of the cylindrical extension 18decreases as one traverses from the top 11 to the closed lower face 31of the cylindrical extension 18. A generally horizontal shoulder 32 isformed on the cylindrical extension 18 at the junction between thesecond and third portions 20 and 21.

An outwardly extending shoulder 33 is formed in the outer member 2towards the bottom 12. The outwardly extending shoulder 33 forms asecondary wall 15 co-axial with the annular wall 13 so as to define anannular track forming a manifold 16 between the secondary wall 15 andthe annular wall 13. The manifold 16 passes around the circumference ofthe outer member 2. A series of slots 17 are provided in the annularwall 13 level with the manifold 16 to provide gas and liquidcommunication between the manifold 16 and the interior 34 of the outermember 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the slots 17 comprise vertical slits inthe annular wall 13. Between 20 and 40 slots are provided. In theembodiment shown thirty-seven slots 17 are provided generallyequi-spaced around the circumference of the manifold 16. The slots 17are preferably between 1.4 and 1.8 mm in length. Typically the length ofeach slot is 1.6 mm representing 10% of the overall height of the outermember 2. The width of each slot is between 0.25 and 0.35 mm. Typically,the width of each slot is 0.3 mm. The width of the slots 17 issufficiently narrow to prevent the beverage ingredients passingtherethrough into the manifold 16 either during storage or in use.

An inlet chamber 26 is formed in the outer member 2 at the periphery ofthe outer member 2. A cylindrical wall 27 is provided, as most clearlyshown in FIG. 5, which defines the inlet chamber 26 within, andpartitions the inlet chamber 26 from, the interior 34 of the outermember 2. The cylindrical wall 27 has a closed upper face 28 which isformed on a plane perpendicular to the major axis X and an open lowerend 29 co-planar with the bottom 12 of the outer member 2. The inletchamber 26 communicates with the manifold 16 via two slots 30 as shownin FIG. 1. Alternatively, between one and four slots may be used tocommunicate between the manifold 16 and the inlet chamber 26.

A lower end of the outwardly extending shoulder 33 is provided with anoutwardly extending flange 35 which extends perpendicularly to the majoraxis X. Typically the flange 35 has a width of between 2 and 4 mm. Aportion of the flange 35 is enlarged to form a handle 24 by which theouter member 2 may be held. The handle 24 is provided with an upturnedrim 25 to improve grip.

The outer member 2 is formed as a single integral piece from highdensity polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyester, or alaminate of two or more of these materials. A suitable polypropylene isthe range of polymers available from DSM UK Limited (Redditch, UnitedKingdom). The outer member may be opaque, transparent or translucent.The manufacturing process may be injection moulding.

The inner member 3 as shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, comprises an annular frame41 and a downwardly extending cylindrical funnel 40. A major axis Xpasses through the centre of the inner member 3 as shown in FIG. 7.

As best shown in FIG. 8, the annular frame 41 comprises an outer rim 51and an inner hub 52 joined by ten equi-spaced radial spokes 53. Theinner hub 52 is integral with and extends from the cylindrical funnel40. Filtration apertures 55 are formed in the annular frame 41 betweenthe radial spokes 53. A filter 4 is disposed on the annular frame 41 soas to cover the filtration apertures 55. The filter is preferably madefrom a material with a high wet strength, for example a non-woven fibrematerial of polyester. Other materials which may be used include awater-impermeable cellulosic material, such as a cellulosic materialcomprising woven paper fibres. The woven paper fibres may be admixedwith fibres of polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride and/or polyethylene.The incorporation of these plastic materials into the cellulosicmaterial renders the cellulosic material heat-sealable. The filter 4 mayalso be treated or coated with a material which is activated by heatand/or pressure so that it can be sealed to the annular frame 41 in thisway.

As shown in the cross-sectional profile of FIG. 7, the inner hub 52 islocated at a lower position than the outer rim 51, resulting in theannular frame 41 having a sloping lower profile.

The upper surface of each spoke 53 is provided with an upstanding web 54which divides a void space above the annular frame 41 into a pluralityof passages 57. Each passage 57 is bounded on either side by a web 54and on a lower face by the filter 4. The passages 57 extend from theouter rim 51 downwardly towards, and open into, the cylindrical funnel40 at openings 56 defined by the inner extremities of the webs 54.

The cylindrical funnel 40 comprises an outer tube 42 surrounding aninner discharge spout 43. The outer tube 42 forms the exterior of thecylindrical funnel 40. The discharge spout 43 is joined to the outertube 42 at an upper end of the discharge spout 43 by means of an annularflange 47. The discharge spout 43 comprises an inlet 45 at an upper endwhich communicates with the openings 56 of the passages 57 and an outlet44 at a lower end through which the prepared beverage is discharged intoa cup or other receptacle. The discharge spout 43 comprises afrusto-conical portion 48 at an upper end and a cylindrical portion 58at a lower end. The cylindrical portion 58 may have a slight taper suchthat it narrows towards the outlet 44. The frusto-conical portion 48helps to channel beverage from the passages 57 down towards the outlet44 without inducing turbulence to the beverage. An upper surface of thefrusto-conical portion 48 is provided with four support webs 49equi-spaced around the circumference of the cylindrical funnel 40. Thesupport webs 49 define channels 50 therebetween. The upper edges of thesupport webs 49 are level with one another and perpendicular to themajor axis X.

The inner member 3 may be formed as a single integral piece frompolypropylene or a similar material as described above and by injectionmoulding in the same manner as the outer member 2.

Alternatively, the inner member 3 and/or the outer member 2 may be madefrom a biodegradable polymer. Examples of suitable materials includedegradable polyethylene (for example, SPITEK supplied by SymphonyEnvironmental, Borehamwood, United Kingdom), biodegradable polyesteramide (for example, BAK 1095 supplied by Symphony Environmental), polylactic acids (PLA supplied by Cargil, Minn., USA), starch-basedpolymers, cellulose derivatives and polypeptides.

The laminate 5 is formed from two layers, a first layer of aluminium anda second layer of cast polypropylene. The aluminium layer is between0.02 and 0.07 mm in thickness. The cast polypropylene layer is between0.025 and 0.065 mm in thickness. In one embodiment the aluminium layeris 0.06 mm and the polypropylene layer is 0.025 mm thick. This laminateis particularly advantageous as it has a high resistance to curlingduring assembly. As a result the laminate 5 may be pre-cut to thecorrect size and shape and subsequently transferred to the assemblystation on the production line without undergoing distortion.Consequently, the laminate 5 is particularly well suited to welding.Other laminate materials may be used including PET/Aluminium/PP,PE/EVOH/PP, PET/metallised/PP and Aluminium/PP laminates. Roll laminatestock may be used instead of die cut stock.

The cartridge 1 may be closed by a rigid or semi-rigid lid instead of aflexible laminate.

Assembly of the cartridge 1 involves the following steps:

-   -   a) the inner member 3 is inserted into the outer member 2;    -   b) the filter 4 is cut to shape and placed onto the inner member        3 so to be received over the cylindrical funnel 40 and come to        rest against the annular frame 41;    -   c) the inner member 3, outer member 2 and filter 4 are joined by        ultrasonic welding;    -   d) the cartridge 1 is filled with one or more beverage        ingredients;    -   e) the laminate 5 is affixed to the outer member 2.

These steps will be discussed in greater detail below.

The outer member 2 is orientated with the open bottom 12 directedupwards. The inner member 3 is then inserted into the outer member 2with the outer rim 51 being received as a loose fit in an axialextension 14 at top 11 of the cartridge 1. The cylindrical extension 18of the outer member 2 is at the same time received in the upper portionof the cylindrical funnel 40 of the inner member 3. The third portion 21of the cylindrical extension 18 is seated inside the cylindrical funnel40 with the closed lower face 31 of the cylindrical extension 18 bearingagainst the support webs 49 of the inner member 3. The filter 4 is thenplaced over the inner member 3 such that the filter material contactsthe annular rim 51. An ultrasonic welding process is then used to jointhe filter 4 to the inner member 3 and at the same time, and in the sameprocess step, the inner member 3 to the outer member 2. The inner member3 and filter 4 are welded around the outer rim 51. The inner member 3and outer member 2 are joined by means of weld lines around the outerrim 51 and also the upper edges of the webs 54.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 11, the outer member 2 and inner member 3when joined together define a void space 130 in the interior 120 belowthe annular flange 41 and exterior the cylindrical funnel 40 which formsa filtration chamber. The filtration chamber 130 and passages 57 abovethe annular frame 41 are separated by the filter paper 4.

The filtration chamber 130 contains the one or more beverage ingredients200. The one or more beverage ingredients are packed into the filtrationchamber 130. For a filtered style beverage the ingredient is typicallyroast and ground coffee or leaf tea. The density of packing of thebeverage ingredients in the filtration chamber 130 can be varied asdesired. Typically, for a filtered coffee product the filtration chambercontains between 5.0 and 10.2 grams of roast and ground coffee in afiltration bed of thickness of typically 5 to 14 mm. Optionally, theinterior 120 may contain one or more bodies, such as spheres, which arefreely movable within the interior 120 to aid mixing by inducingturbulence and breaking down deposits of beverage ingredients duringdischarge of the beverage.

The laminate 5 is then affixed to the outer member 2 by forming a weld126 around the periphery of the laminate 5 to join the laminate 5 to thelower surface of the outwardly extending flange 35. The weld 126 isextended to seal the laminate 5 against the lower edge of thecylindrical wall 27 of the inlet chamber 26. Further, a weld 125 isformed between the laminate 5 and the lower edge of the outer tube 42 ofthe cylindrical funnel 40 such that the inner member 3 spans between theouter member 2 and the laminate 5. The laminate 5 forms the lower wallof the filtration chamber 130 and also seals the inlet chamber 26 andcylindrical funnel 40. However, a small gap 123 exists prior todispensation between the laminate 5 and the lower edge of the dischargespout 43. A variety of welding methods may be used, such as heat andultrasonic welding, depending on the material characteristics of thelaminate 5.

Advantageously, the inner member 3 spans between the outer member 2 andthe laminate 5. The inner member 3 is formed from a material of relativerigidity, such as polypropylene. As such, according to the presentinvention the inner member 3 forms a load-bearing member that acts tokeep the laminate 5 and outer member 2 spaced apart when the cartridge 1is compressed. It is preferred that the cartridge 1 is subjected to acompressive load of between 130 and 280 N in use, the load being appliedby a beverage preparation machine into which the cartridge in inserted.However, with some arrangements of cartridge and machine a lower forceof greater than 50 N may be utilised. The compressive force acts toprevent the cartridge failing under internal pressurisation and alsoserves to squeeze the inner member 3 and outer member 2 together. Thisensures that the internal dimensions of passageways and apertures in thecartridge 1 are fixed and unable to change during pressurisation of thecartridge 1.

To use the cartridge 1 it is first inserted into a beverage preparationmachine and the inlet 121 and outlet 122 are opened by piercing membersof the beverage preparation machine which perforate and fold back thelaminate 5. An aqueous medium, typically water, under pressure entersthe cartridge 1 through the inlet 121 into the inlet chamber 26 at apressure of between 0.1-2.0 bar. From there the water is directed toflow through the slots 30 and round the manifold 16 and into thefiltration chamber 130 of the cartridge 1 through the plurality of slots17. The water is forced radially inwardly through the filtration chamber130 and mixes with the beverage ingredients 200 contained therein. Thewater is at the same time forced upwardly through the beverageingredients. The beverage formed by passage of the water through thebeverage ingredients passes through the filter 4 and filtrationapertures 55 into the passages 57 lying above the annular frame 41. Thesealing of the filter 4 onto the spokes 53 and the welding of the rim 51with the outer member 2 ensures that there are no short-circuits and allthe beverage has to pass through the filter 4.

The beverage then flows downwardly along the radial passages 57 formedbetween the webs 54 and through the openings 56 and into the cylindricalfunnel 40. The beverage passes along the channels 50 between the supportwebs 47 and down the discharge spout 43 to the outlet 44 where thebeverage is discharged into a receptacle such as a cup.

Preferably, the beverage preparation machine comprises an air purgefacility, wherein compressed air is forced through the cartridge 1 atthe end of the dispense cycle to flush out the remaining beverage intothe receptacle.

A second version of cartridge 1 is shown in FIGS. 12 to 18. The secondversion of the cartridge 1 is particularly designed for use indispensing espresso-style products such as roast and ground coffee whereit is desirable to produce a beverage having a froth of tiny bubblesknown as a crema. Many of the features of the second version of thecartridge 1 are the same as in the first version and like numerals havebeen used to reference like features. In the following description thedifferences between the first and second versions will be discussed.Common features which function in the same manner will not be discussedin detail.

The outer member 2 is of the same construction as in the first versionof cartridge 1 and as shown in FIGS. 1 to 6.

The annular frame 41 of the inner member 3 is the same as in the firstversion. Also, a filter 4 is disposed on the annular frame 41 so as tocover the filtration apertures 55. The outer tube 42 of the cylindricalfunnel 40 is also as before. However, there are a number of differencesin the construction of the inner member 2 of the second version comparedto the first version. As shown in FIG. 16, the discharge spout 43 isprovided with a partition 65 which extends part way up the dischargespout 43 from the outlet 44. The partition 65 helps to prevent thebeverage spraying and/or splashing as it exits the discharge spout 43.The profile of the discharge spout 43 is also different and comprises astepped profile with a distinct dog-leg 66 near an upper end of the tube43.

A rim 67 is provided upstanding from the annular flange 47 joining theouter tube 42 to the discharge spout 43. The rim 67 surrounds the inlet45 to the discharge spout 43 and defines an annular channel 69 betweenthe rim 67 and the upper portion of the outer tube 42. The rim 67 isprovided with an inwardly directed shoulder 68. At one point around thecircumference of the rim 67 an aperture 70 is provided in the form of aslot which extends from an upper edge of rim 67 to a point marginallybelow the level of the shoulder 68 as most clearly shown in FIGS. 12 and13. The slot has a width of 0.64 mm.

An air inlet 71 is provided in annular flange 47 circumferentiallyaligned with the aperture 70 as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. The air inlet71 comprises an aperture passing through the flange 47 so as to providecommunication between a point above the flange 47 and the void spacebelow the flange 47 between the outer tube 42 and discharge spout 43.Preferably, and as shown, the air inlet 71 comprises an upperfrusto-conical portion 73 and a lower cylindrical portion 72. The airinlet 71 is typically formed by a mould tool such as a pin. The taperedprofile of the air inlet 71 allows the mould tool to be more easilyremoved from the moulded component. The wall of the outer tube 42 in thevicinity of the air inlet 71 is shaped to form a chute 75 leading fromthe air inlet 71 to the inlet 45 of the discharge spout 43. As shown inFIG. 17, a canted shoulder 74 is formed between the air inlet 71 and thechute 75 to ensure that the jet of beverage issuing from the slot 70does not immediately foul on the upper surface of the flange 47 in theimmediate vicinity of the air inlet 71.

As in the first embodiment, the inner member 3 acts as a load-bearingmember.

The assembly procedure-for the second version of cartridge 1 is similarto the assembly of the first version. However, there are certaindifferences. As shown in FIG. 18, the third portion 21 of thecylindrical extension 18 is seated inside the support rim 67 rather thanagainst support webs. The shoulder 32 of the cylindrical extension 18between the second portion 20 and third portion 21 bears against theupper edge of the support rim 67 of the inner member 3. An interfacezone 124 is thus formed between the inner member 3 and the outer member2 comprising a face seal between the cylindrical extension 18 and thesupport rim 67 which extends around nearly the whole circumference ofthe cartridge 1. The seal between the cylindrical extension 18 and thesupport rim 67 is not fluid-tight though since the slot 70 in thesupport rim 67 extends through the support rim 67 and downwardly to apoint marginally below the shoulder 68. Consequently the interface fitbetween the cylindrical extension 18 and the support rim 67 transformsthe slot 70 into an aperture 128, as most clearly shown in FIG. 18,providing gas and liquid communication between the annular channel 69and the discharge spout 43. The aperture is typically 0.64 mm wide by0.69 mm long.

Operation of the second version of cartridge 1 to dispense a beverage issimilar to the operation of the first version but with certaindifferences. Beverage in the radial passages 57 flows downwardly alongthe passages 57 formed between the webs 54 and through the openings 56and into the annular channel 69 of the cylindrical funnel 40. From theannular channel 69 the beverage is forced under pressure through theaperture 128 by the back pressure of beverage collecting in thefiltration chamber 130 and passages 57. The beverage is thus forcedthrough aperture 128 as a jet and into an expansion chamber formed bythe upper end of the discharge spout 43. As shown in FIG. 18, the jet ofbeverage passes directly over the air inlet 71. As the beverage entersthe discharge spout 43 the pressure of the beverage jet drops. As aresult air is entrained into the beverage stream in the form of amultitude of small air bubbles as the air is drawn up through the airinlet 71. The jet of beverage issuing from the aperture 128 is funnelleddownwards to the outlet 44 where the beverage is discharged into areceptacle such as a cup where the air bubbles form the desired crema.Thus, the aperture 128 and the air inlet 71 together form an eductorwhich acts to entrain air into the beverage. Flow of beverage into theeductor should be kept as smooth as possible to reduce pressure losses.Advantageously, the walls of the eductor should be made concave toreduce losses due to ‘wall effect’ friction. The dimensional toleranceof the aperture 128 is small. Preferably the aperture size is fixed plusor minus 0.02 mm². Hairs, fibrils or other surface irregularities can beprovided within or at the exit of the eductor to increase the effectivecross-sectional area which has been found to increase the degree of airentrainment.

A third version of cartridge 1 is shown in FIGS. 19 to 29. The thirdversion of the cartridge 1 is particularly designed for use indispensing soluble products which may be in powdered, liquid, syrup, gelor similar form. The soluble product is dissolved by or forms asuspension in, an aqueous medium such as water when the aqueous mediumis passed, in use, through the cartridge 1. Examples of beveragesinclude chocolate, coffee, milk, tea, soup or other rehydratable oraqueous-soluble products. Many of the features of the third version ofthe cartridge 1 are the same as in the previous versions and likenumerals have been used to reference like features. In the followingdescription the differences between the third and previous versions willbe discussed. Common features which function in the same manner will notbe discussed in detail.

Compared to the outer member 2 of the previous versions, the hollowinwardly directed cylindrical extension 18 of the outer member 2 of thethird version has a larger overall diameter as shown in FIG. 20. Inparticular the diameter of the first portion 19 is typically between 16and 18 mm compared to 13.2 mm for the outer member 2 of the previousversions. In addition, the first portion 19 is provided with a convexouter surface 19 a, or bulge, as most clearly shown in FIG. 20, thefunction of which will be described below. The diameter of the thirdportions 21 of the cartridges 1 are however the same resulting in thearea of the shoulder 32 being greater in this, the third version of thecartridge 1. Typically the volume of the cartridge 1 when assembled is32.5 ml±20%.

The number and positioning of the slots in the lower end of the annularwall 13 is also different. Between 3 and 5 slots are provided. In theembodiment as shown in FIG. 23, four slots 36 are provided equi-spacedaround the circumference of the manifold 16. The slots 36 are slightlywider than in the previous versions of the cartridge 1 being between0.35 and 0.45 mm, preferably 0.4 mm wide.

In other respects the outer members 2 of the cartridges 1 are the same.

The construction of the cylindrical funnel 40 of the inner member 3 isthe same as in the first version of cartridge 1 with an outer tube 42,discharge spout 45, annular flange 47 and support webs 49 beingprovided. The only difference is that the discharge spout 45 is shapedwith an upper frusto-conical section 92 and a lower cylindrical section93.

In contrast to the previous versions and as shown in FIGS. 24 to 28, theannular frame 41 is replaced by a skirt portion 80 which surrounds thecylindrical funnel 40 and is joined thereto by means of eight radialstruts 87 which adjoin the cylindrical funnel 40 at or near the annularflange 47. A cylindrical extension 81 of the skirt portion 80 extendsupwardly from the struts 87 to define a chamber 90 with an open upperface. An upper rim 91 of the cylindrical extension 81 has an in-turnedprofile as shown in FIG. 26. An annular wall 82 of the skirt portion 80extends downwardly from the struts 87 to define an annular channel 86between the skirt portion 80 and the outer tube 42.

The annular wall 82 comprises at a lower end an exterior flange 83 whichlies perpendicular to the major axis X. A rim 84 depends downwardly froma lower surface of the flange 83 and contains five apertures 85 whichare circumferentially equi-spaced around the rim 84. Thus, the rim 84 isprovided with a castellated lower profile.

Apertures 89 are provided between the struts 87 allowing communicationbetween the chamber 90 and the annular channel 86.

As in the first embodiment, the inner member 3 acts as a load-bearingmember.

The assembly procedure for the third version of cartridge 1 is similarto the assembly of the first version but with certain differences. Theouter member 2 and inner member 3 are push-fitted together as shown inFIG. 29 and retained by means of a snap-fit arrangement rather thanwelded together. On joining the two members the inwardly directedcylindrical extension 18 is received inside the upper cylindricalextension 81 of the skirt portion 80. The inner member 3 is retained inthe outer member 2 by frictional interengagement of the convex outersurface 19 a of the first portion 19 of the cylindrical extension 18with the in-turned rim 91 of the upper cylindrical extension 81. Withthe inner member 3 located in the outer member 2 a mixing chamber 134 isdefined located exterior to the skirt portion 80. The mixing chamber 134contains the beverage ingredients 200 prior to dispensation. It shouldbe noted that the four inlets 36 and the five apertures 85 are staggeredcircumferentially with respect to one another. The radial location ofthe two parts relative to each other need not be determined or fixedduring assembly since the use of four inlets 36 and five apertures 85ensures that misalignment occurs between the inlets and apertureswhatever the relative rotational positioning of the components.

The one or more beverage ingredients are packed into the mixing chamber134 of the cartridge. The density of packing of the beverage ingredientsin the mixing chamber 134 can be varied as desired.

The laminate 5 is then affixed to the outer member 2 and inner member 3in the same manner as described above in the previous versions.

In use, water enters the mixing chamber 134 through the four slots 36 inthe same manner as previous versions of the cartridge. The water isforced radially inwardly through the mixing chamber and mixes with thebeverage ingredients contained therein. The product is dissolved ormixed in the water and forms the beverage in the mixing chamber 134 andis then driven though the apertures 85 into the annular channel 86 byback pressure of beverage and water in the mixing chamber 134. Thecircumferential staggering of the four inlet slots 36 and the fiveapertures 85 ensures that jets of water are not able to pass radiallydirectly from the inlet slots 36 to the apertures 85 without firstcirculating within the mixing chamber 134. In this way the degree andconsistency of dissolution or mixing of the product is significantlyincreased. The beverage is forced upwardly in the annular channel 86,through the apertures 89 between the struts 87 and into the chamber 90.The beverage passes from chamber 90 through the inlets 45 between thesupport webs 49 into the discharge spout 43 and towards the outlet 44where the beverage is discharged into a receptacle such as a cup. Thecartridge finds particular application with beverage ingredients in theform of viscous liquids or gels. In one application a liquid chocolateingredient is contained in the cartridge 1 with a viscosity of between1700 and 3900 mPa at ambient temperature and between 5000 and 10000 mPaat 0° C. and a refractive solids of 67 Brix±3. In another applicationliquid coffee is contained in the cartridge 1 with a viscosity ofbetween 70 and 2000 mPa at ambient and between 80 and 5000 mPa at 0° C.where the coffee has a total solids level of between 40 and 70%.

A fourth version of cartridge 1 is shown in FIGS. 30 to 34. The fourthversion of the cartridge 1 is particularly designed for use indispensing liquid products such as concentrated liquid milk. Many of thefeatures of the fourth version of the cartridge 1 are the same as in theprevious versions and like numerals have been used to reference likefeatures. In the following description the differences between thefourth and previous versions will be discussed. Common features whichfunction in the same manner will not be discussed in detail.

The outer member 2 is the same as in the third version of cartridge 1and as shown in FIGS. 19 to 23.

The cylindrical funnel 40 of the inner member 3 is similar to that shownin the second version of cartridge 1 but with certain differences. Asshown in FIG. 30 the discharge spout 43 is shaped with an upperfrusto-conical section 106 and a lower cylindrical section 107. Threeaxial ribs 105 are provided on the inner surface of the discharge spout43 to direct the dispensed beverage downwards towards the outlet 44 andprevent the discharged beverage from spinning within the spout.Consequently, the ribs 105 act as baffles. As in the second version ofcartridge 1, an air inlet 71 is provided through the annular flange 47.However, the chute 75 beneath the air inlet 71 is more elongated than inthe second version.

A skirt portion 80 is provided similar to that shown in the thirdversion of the cartridge 1 described above. Between 5 and 12 apertures85 are provided in the rim 84. Typically ten apertures are providedrather than the five provided in the third version of cartridge 1.

An annular bowl 100 is provided extending from and integral with theflange 83 of the skirt portion 80. The annular bowl 100 comprises aflared body 101 with an open upper mouth 104 which is directed upwards.Four feed apertures 103 shown in FIGS. 30 and 31 are located in the body101 at or near the lower end of the bowl 100 where it joins the skirtportion 80. Preferably, the feed apertures are equi-spaced around thecircumference of the bowl 100.

As in the first embodiment, the inner member 3 acts as a load-bearingmember.

The laminate 5 is of the type described above in the previousembodiments.

The assembly procedure for the fourth version of cartridge 1 is the sameas that for the third version.

Operation of the fourth version of cartridge is similar to that of thethird version. The water enters the cartridge 1 and the mixing chamber134 in the same manner as before. There the water mixes with and dilutesthe liquid product which is then forced out through the apertures 85towards the outlet 44 as described above. A proportion of the liquidproduct is initially contained within the annular bowl 100 as shown inFIG. 34 and is not subject to immediate dilution by the water enteringthe mixing chamber 134. The diluted liquid product in the lower part ofthe mixing chamber 134 will tend to exit through apertures 85 ratherthan be forced up and into the annular bowl 100 through upper mouth 104.Consequently, the liquid product in the annular bowl 100 will remainrelatively concentrated compared to the product in the lower part of themixing chamber 134. The liquid product in the annular bowl 100 dripsthrough the feed apertures 103 into the stream of product exiting themixing chamber 134 through the apertures 85. The annular bowl 100 actsto even out the concentration of the diluted liquid product entering thecylindrical funnel 40 by holding back a proportion of the concentratedliquid product and releasing it into the exiting liquid stream moresteadily throughout the dispensation cycle.

From the annular channel 86 the beverage is forced under pressurethrough the aperture 128 by the back pressure of beverage collecting inthe filtration chamber 134 and chamber 90. The beverage is thus forcedthrough aperture 128 as a jet and into an expansion chamber formed bythe upper end of the discharge spout 43. As shown in FIG. 34, the jet ofbeverage passes directly over the air inlet 71. As the beverage entersthe discharge spout 43 the pressure of the beverage jet drops. As aresult air is entrained into the beverage stream in the form of amultitude of small air bubbles as the air is drawn up through the airinlet 71. The jet of beverage issuing from the aperture 128 is funnelleddownwards to the outlet 44 where the beverage is discharged into areceptacle such as a cup where the air bubbles form the desired frothyappearance.

Advantageously, the inner member 3, outer member 2, laminate 5 andfilter 4 can all be readily sterilised due to the components beingseparable and not individually comprising tortuous passageways or narrowcrevices. Rather, it is only after conjoining the components, aftersterilisation, that the necessary passageways are formed. This isparticularly important where the beverage ingredient is a dairy-basedproduct such as liquid milk concentrate.

The fourth embodiment of beverage cartridge is particularly advantageousfor dispensing a concentrated dairy-based liquid product such as liquidmilk. Previously, powdered milk products have been provided in the formof sachets for adding to a pre-prepared beverage. However, for acappuccino-style beverage it is necessary to foam the milk. This hasbeen achieved previously by passing steam through a liquid milk product.However this necessitates the provision of a steam supply whichincreases the cost and complexity of the machine used to dispense thebeverage. The use of steam also increases the risk of injury duringoperation of the cartridge. Accordingly the present invention providesfor a beverage cartridge having a concentrated dairy-based liquidproduct therein. It has been found that by concentrating the milkproduct a greater amount of foam can be produced for a particular volumeof milk when compared to fresh or UHT milk. This reduces the sizerequired for the milk cartridge. Fresh semi-skimmed milk containsapproximately 1.6% fat and 10% total solids. The concentrated liquidmilk preparations of the present invention contain between 3 and 10% fatand 25 to 40% total solids. In a typical example, the preparationcontains 4% fat and 30% total solids. The concentrated milk preparationsare suitable for foaming using a low pressure preparation machine aswill be described below. In particular, foaming of the milk is achievedat pressures below 2 bar, preferably approximately 1.5 bar using thecartridge of the fourth embodiment described above.

The cartridge of the fourth embodiment is also advantageous indispensing liquid coffee products.

It has been found that the embodiments of beverage cartridge of thepresent invention advantageously provide an improved consistency of thebrewed beverage when compared to prior art cartridges. Reference is madeto Table 1 below which shows the results of brew yields for twentysamples each of cartridges A and B containing roast and ground coffee.Cartridge A is a beverage cartridge according to the first embodiment ofthe present invention. Cartridge B is a prior art beverage cartridge asdescribed in the applicant's document WO01/58786. The refractive indexof the brewed beverage is measured in Brix units and converted to apercentage of soluble solids (% SS) using standard tables and formulae.In the examples below:% SS=0.7774*(Brix value)+0.0569.% Yield=(% SS*Brew Volume (g))/(100*Coffee Weight (g)) TABLE 1 BrewCoffee Sample Volume (g) Weight (g) Brix % SS (*) % Yield CARTRIDGE A 1105.6 6.5 1.58 1.29 20.88 2 104.24 6.5 1.64 1.33 21.36 3 100.95 6.5 1.671.36 21.05 4 102.23 6.5 1.71 1.39 21.80 5 100.49 6.5 1.73 1.40 21.67 6107.54 6.5 1.59 1.29 21.39 7 102.70 6.5 1.67 1.36 21.41 8 97.77 6.5 1.861.50 22.61 9 97.82 6.5 1.7 1.38 20.75 10 97.83 6.5 1.67 1.36 20.40 1197.6 6.5 1.78 1.44 21.63 12 106.64 6.5 1.61 1.31 21.47 13 99.26 6.5 1.541.25 19.15 14 97.29 6.5 1.59 1.29 19.35 15 101.54 6.5 1.51 1.23 19.23 16104.23 6.5 1.61 1.31 20.98 17 97.5 6.5 1.73 1.40 21.03 18 100.83 6.51.68 1.36 21.14 19 101.67 6.5 1.67 1.36 21.20 20 101.32 6.5 1.68 1.3621.24 AVERAGE 20.99 CARTRIDGE B 1 100.65 6.5 1.87 1.511 23.39 2 95.856.5 1.86 1.503 22.16 3 98.4 6.5 1.8 1.456 22.04 4 92.43 6.5 2.3 1.84526.23 5 100.26 6.5 1.72 1.394 21.50 6 98.05 6.5 2.05 1.651 24.90 7 99.496.5 1.96 1.581 24.19 8 95.62 6.5 2.3 1.845 27.14 9 94.28 6.5 2.17 1.74425.29 10 96.13 6.5 1.72 1.394 20.62 11 96.86 6.5 1.81 1.464 21.82 1294.03 6.5 2.2 1.767 25.56 13 96.28 6.5 1.78 1.441 21.34 14 95.85 6.51.95 1.573 23.19 15 95.36 6.5 1.88 1.518 22.28 16 92.73 6.5 1.89 1.52621.77 17 88 6.5 1.59 1.293 17.50 18 93.5 6.5 2.08 1.674 24.08 19 100.886.5 1.75 1.417 22.00 20 84.77 6.5 2.37 1.899 24.77 AVERAGE 23.09

Performing a t-test statistical analysis on the above data gives thefollowing results: TABLE 2 t-Test: Two-Sample Assuming Equal Variances %Yield (Cartridge A) % Yield (Cartridge B) Mean 20.99 23.09 Variance 0.775.04 Observations 20 20 Pooled Variance 2.90 Hypothesized 0 MeanDifference df 38 t Stat −3.90 P(T <= t) one-tail 0.000188 t Criticalone-tail 1.686 P(T <= t) two-tail 0.000376 t Critical two-tail 2.0244Standard Deviation 0.876 2.245

The analysis shows that the consistency of % yield, which equates tobrew strength, for the cartridges of the present invention issignificantly better (at a 95% confidence level) than the prior artcartridges, with a standard deviation of 0.88% compared to 2.24%. Thismeans that beverages brewed with the cartridges of the present inventionhave a more repeatable and uniform strength. This is preferred byconsumers who like their drinks to taste the same time after time and donot want arbitrary changes in brew strength.

The materials of the cartridges described above may be provided with abarrier coating to improve their resistance to oxygen and/or moistureand/or other contaminant ingress. The barrier coating may also improvethe resistance to leakage of the beverage ingredients from within thecartridges and/or reduce the degree of leaching of extractibles from thecartridge materials which might adversely affect the beverageingredients. The barrier coating may be of a material selected from thegroup of PET, Polyamide, EVOH, PVDC or a metallised material. Thebarrier coating may be applied by a number of mechanisms including butnot limited to vapour deposition, vacuum deposition, plasma coating,co-extrusion, in-mould labelling and two/multi-stage moulding.

1. A cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and beingformed from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials, thecartridge comprising an outer member defining a storage chamber in whichis stored the one or more beverage ingredients and an inner memberhaving a discharge spout forming an outlet for outflow of beverageformed from the one or more beverage ingredients, characterised in thatthe inner member forms a load-bearing member.
 2. A cartridge as claimedin claim 1 wherein the inner member and outer member are separatecomponents which are conjoined during assembly of the cartridge.
 3. Acartridge as claimed in claim 2 further comprising a filter conjoined tothe inner member.
 4. A cartridge as claimed in claim 3 wherein the innermember forms a load-bearing member of sufficient rigidity such that thecartridge can withstand a compressive load of greater than 130 N.
 5. Acartridge as claimed in claim 4 wherein the load-bearing member is ofsufficient rigidity such that the cartridge can withstand a compressiveforce of greater than 200 N.
 6. A cartridge as claimed in claim 5wherein the load-bearing member is of sufficient rigidity such that theload-bearing member can withstand a compressive force of greater than130 N.
 7. A cartridge as claimed in claim 6 wherein the inner member isformed from polypropylene.
 8. A cartridge as claimed in claim 7 whereinthe outer member and/or inner member are formed from a biodegradablepolymer.
 9. A cartridge as claimed in claim 8 wherein the inner memberand discharge spout are formed as one piece.
 10. A cartridge containingone or more beverage ingredients and being formed from substantiallyair- and water-impermeable materials, the cartridge comprising a housinghaving a closed first end and an open second end, the housing defining astorage chamber in which is stored the one or more beverage ingredients,wherein the open second end of the housing is sealed by a lid,characterised by the cartridge further comprising a load-bearing memberspanning between the closed first end of the housing and the lid.
 11. Acartridge as claimed in claim 10 wherein the load-bearing membercomprises a discharge spout forming an outlet for outflow of beverageformed from the one or more beverage ingredients.
 12. A cartridge asclaimed in claim 11 wherein the load-bearing member is located at ornear a center of the cartridge.
 13. A cartridge as claimed in claim 12wherein the load-bearing member is of sufficient rigidity such that thecartridge can withstand a compressive load of greater than 130 N.
 14. Acartridge as claimed in claim 13 wherein the load-bearing member is ofsufficient rigidity such that the cartridge can withstand a compressiveforce of greater than 200 N.
 15. A cartridge as claimed in claim 14wherein the load-bearing member is of sufficient rigidity such that theload-bearing member can withstand a compressive force of greater than130 N.